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Is Kent Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 20, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Kent?

Yes, Kent's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Kent has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Kent's water utility, Kent Water Department, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Kent Water Department water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Kent Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Kent tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Kent's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Kent Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Kent Water Department for Kent in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

Is there Lead in Kent Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Kent water system, Kent Water Department, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.001 mg/L of lead in Kent water. This is 6.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Kent contained more lead.

While Kent water testing may have found 0.001 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Kent Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - MANCHESTER WA FUELDPTPSND - near Kent with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Kent has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Kent Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW IS MY WATER TREATED & PURIFIED?
Howard Hanson Dam Photo Courtesy of Tacoma Water
WHAT IS MY WATER PRESSURE?
Water pressure in the distribution system varies by elevation. Call us at 253-856-5600 with your address, and we will provide you with the information for your area. Homeowners and businesses are required by City Code to have a water shut-off valve at their building to use for repairs or plumbing changes. If you do not have one, you are advised to have one installed. In the interim, call Customer Service at 253-856-5200 to request a water shut-off. You may be charged a fee for this service. In no event should you attempt to shut off the water service with the valve at your water meter as both are City property, and you will be charged for all damage you cause to the valve or meter. Do you know where the water supply shut off valve is in your home? Does everyone else in the family know where it is? If there’s an emergency, you’ll need to know in a hurry. You can’t afford to waste precious minutes searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched. These are the most likely locations:
HOW DO I GET MY WATER SHUT OFF?
Homeowners and businesses are required by City Code to have a water shut-off valve at their building to use for repairs or plumbing changes. If you do not have one, you are advised to have one installed. In the interim, call Customer Service at 253-856-5200 to request a water shut-off. You may be charged a fee for this service. In no event should you attempt to shut off the water service with the valve at your water meter as both are City property, and you will be charged for all damage you cause to the valve or meter. Do you know where the water supply shut off valve is in your home? Does everyone else in the family know where it is? If there’s an emergency, you’ll need to know in a hurry. You can’t afford to waste precious minutes searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched. These are the most likely locations:
WHERE IS MY WATER SHUT OFF VALVE?
Do you know where the water supply shut off valve is in your home? Does everyone else in the family know where it is? If there’s an emergency, you’ll need to know in a hurry. You can’t afford to waste precious minutes searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched. These are the most likely locations:
IS THE FLUORIDE IN MY WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Yes. When added or naturally present in the correct amounts, fluoride in drinking water has greatly improved the dental health of American consumers. The amount of fluoride added to your drinking water is maintained at the recommended level set by federal and state regulations (0.5–0.9 ppm). Consult your physician regarding fluoride supplements for children. For more information on fluoride in drinking water, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at CDC.gov/fluoridation.
HOW DO I CONTACT KENT CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Kent water provider, Kent Water Department, please use the information below.
By Mail: 220 4th Ave S
Kent, WA, 98032
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR KENT WATER DEPARTMENT
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Kent Water Department account to pay their Kent water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Kent Water Department bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Kent water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Kent water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP KENT WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Kent means you will often need to put the water in your name with Kent Water Department. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Kent means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Kent Water Department. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.95 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Kent tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 9% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 31% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 91% Very High
  • Water Quality 69% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Kent, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Kent Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Kent's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

C I T Y O F K E N T

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2 0 2 0

This report contains important information about your drinking water. PWS ID 381501

“For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.”

- Marcus Samuelsson

1

Committed to delivering the

highest quality water

The City of Kent provides our annual Water Quality Report to all our customers, in compliance with federal and state drinking water regulations. We are required to provide this report by July 1 of each year. This edition summarizes the water quality testing completed from January through December 2020.

The purpose of this report is to share a summary of where your water comes from and how your water was treated and tested during 2020. We continue our commitment to delivering high quality drinking water.

We remain diligent in meeting the challenges of water source protection, conservation and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all water users in a fiscally responsible manner.

For questions related to drinking water, call 253-856-5600. You may also contact the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, at 253-395-6750.

KENT WATER FACTS

Sources

(Tacoma Water)

Storage

9 water reservoirs

 

16 wells

 

 

2 springs

 

23.2 million

 

 

 

gallons of storage

 

1 surface

 

for peak demand &

 

 

fire flow

 

2.722 billion gallons

 

7 pump stations

 

 

 

 

of water produced

 

8 primary pressure

 

 

 

 

11,031 routine water

 

zones

 

 

 

 

quality tests performed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution

70,029 water

customers served

15,678 water

service connections

287 miles of water main

7,779 water

valves

2,959 fire hydrants

2

MULTIPLE WATER SOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

T

 

 

SE

 

 

 

 

 

 

ME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVE

 

 

R D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S 260TH

ST

 

 

REI

 

LAKE

 

 

d/ CENTRAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

KAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FENWICK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LE

 

d/S 272ND ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

S 277TH ST

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

SE 27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAKE

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R SE 274

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THS

 

 

E

 

 

 

EHAVEN

 

 

 

 

 

E

AUBURN

WA

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

W/S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UBURN

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SE 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S 298TH ST

S 296TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

NW

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S 304TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SE 304TH ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Kent water service area

The City’s primary water supplies come from either a spring or well drilled into an underground aquifer (a natural underground water reservoir).

To provide for future growth and water system demands, the City has partnerships with Tacoma Water, Covington Water District and Lakehaven Utility District to obtain surface water from the Green River through the Regional Water Supply System.

Kent also has a number of interties linking our water system with all our neighboring water providers to provide emergency service among water providers. Water providers include the cities of Auburn, Renton, Tacoma and Tukwila as well as Lake Meridian Water District, Highline Water District and Soos Creek Water & Sewer District.

Customers may notice slight taste differences due to the operation of these various sources and interties, but these water providers must meet the same rigorous standards as the City of Kent.

WATER IS

ESSENTIAL

Without clean water, our kids’ clothes would never make it through the entire school year.

3

HOW IS MY WATER TREATED & PURIFIED?

The primary treatment methods for water supplied to Kent customers are chlorination, fluoridation and pH adjustment.

Howard Hanson Dam

Photo Courtesy of Tacoma Water

Chlorine is used

for disinfection of the water supply. Chlorine kills germs and microorganisms that may be in the water supply and acts as a protective barrier from any recontamination while water is in the distribution system. The average chlorine residual in your drinking water is 0.83 parts per million (ppm).

Sodium

Fluoride

is added to the water supply to aid in the prevention of tooth decay. Fluoride levels are maintained at an average of 0.71 ppm.

Sodium Hydroxide

is added to the water supply to raise pH levels. pH levels, which are a measurement of acidity, are adjusted to make the water less corrosive on plumbing and reduce the amount of lead and copper that can dissolve into drinking water.

The City of Kent also obtains water from the City of Tacoma. Tacoma’s water supply is surface water coming from the Green River in southeast King County. It is also disinfected with chlorine, fluoridated and pH-adjusted with sodium hydroxide. In addition, Tacoma uses ozone to control taste and odor. This report includes Tacoma’s water quality in our system.

For more information on Tacoma Water, visit:

mytpu.org/tacomawater/water-quality

4

PROTECTING OUR GROUNDWATER

Rock Creek Monitoring

Several aquifers supplying Kent’s water are shallow and receive most of their water through infiltration (rainfall trickling through the ground into the aquifer). Because of this, the aquifers are susceptible to contamination from aboveground activities that have the potential to introduce contaminants through the ground to the aquifer.

To ensure Kent’s groundwater is protected, a Wellhead Protection Program was implemented in 1996 and updated in 2008. This program ensures our groundwater sources are regularly monitored to provide a high quality water supply. By monitoring how water flows underground and where potential sources of contaminants are located, we can be better prepared to respond in the event of an emergency or contamination.

Growth has the potential to impact groundwater resources by creating impervious surfaces which concentrate pollutants and decrease aquifer recharge rates. Growth also leads to additional pesticide and fertilizer use that could impact water quality and quantity. The City continues to review land use applications to ensure development will not have a negative impact on groundwater resources. New developments are being encouraged to maintain a no-net-loss in aquifer recharge.

For more information on the Wellhead Protection Program, call 253-856-5527.

To report spills, water pollution or contamination, call 253-856-5600.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides alternatives for farmers, golf course managers, parks departments, school districts, public works

crews and homeowners to control nuisance plants and insects. Alternatives in IPM are provided to decrease environmental impacts and to help protect groundwater. For example, instead of spraying an entire playfield for weeds, spot spraying may be used to save money and reduce the amount of herbicide used.

About PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1950s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used as coatings in common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more. Certain types of firefighting foam— historically used by the U.S. military, local fire departments and airports—may contain PFAS.

There are no current enforceable federal standards for PFAS in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently working on rule making to develop enforceable standards for two of the most commonly detected PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS). The State Board of Health (SBOH) is considering a new standard for PFAS in response to a petition for rulemaking. The SBOH began rulemaking for PFAS in drinking water in late 2017. State action levels for five PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFBS) are being recommended. DOH anticipates having a rule proposal ready to file and begin the formal public comment period in summer 2021—with an anticipated public hearing at the SBOH meeting in October 2021.

5

Water use efficiency goals

State law requires municipal water suppliers to use water more efficiently in exchange for water right certainty and flexibility to help meet future demand. The Legislature directed the Department of Health to adopt an enforceable Water Use Efficiency (WUE) program, which became effective on January 22, 2007.

Water use efficiency goals must be set through a public process and shall be evaluated and reestablished as part of a water system plan update. The City formally adopted water use efficiency goals in 2007 via the City Council Public Works Committee and last updated our WUE Program as part of our 2019 water system plan update. The goals and objectives of the City’s WUE Program are as follows.

  • Reduce water used by public agencies (e.g., city facilities, schools, etc.) between June and August by 0.5 percent each year.
  • Reduce multi-family residential water consumption by 1 percent per year.
  • Maintain water loss at less than 6 percent per year (Municipal Water Law standard is 10 percent). Water loss (unaccounted-for water) is an inherent element of water system management which can never be eliminated entirely due to meter inaccuracies, water theft and undetected system leakage.

Water use for the previous period of June through August 2020 decreased 55.4 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Our emphasis was on outdoor water use which saw a decrease of 51.0 percent over last year. Since the inception of this goal in 2007, overall water use for the period of June through August has decreased by 63.9 percent while the number of services has decreased by 8.21 percent. Dedicated irrigation accounts for government agencies have risen by 7.6 percent over this same time period.

While these large decreases in water usage are abnormal, we consider them a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this period in 2020 schools and parks facilities were closed and many of the government offices that did remain open were staffed remotely. This abnormality will be noted with an asterisk in the record and will be reevaluated as business returns to a new normal.

As part of our water system plan renewal in 2019, the City set a new goal for the next planning period 2019-2029. In addition to maintaining our original WUE Goals of reducing water use during summer months and maintaining 6 percent or less lost water, we will also strive to reduce multi-family residential (MFR) water consumption by one percent per year.

To reduce MFR water usage the City has chosen to use educational materials for individuals and savings incentives on more efficient fixtures for building owners. To make these incentives most effective, just over 70 Multi-family locations were chosen based on their construction date, the newest being built before 1992, before more water efficient codes were put in place. In the base year comparison, the annual water usage for these dwellings was up 5.37 percent in 2020 compared to 2019.

This increase may have also been affected by the pandemic. As schools and businesses were closed and more people worked from home, you would expect to see an increase in water usage there. These MFR’s are no exception. Again, it is uncertain if this increase will last or trend down. In the meantime, the City will continue its strategy of personal outreach and financial incentives to encourage conservation. We will continue to monitor water usage for this group and evaluate the effects of schools and businesses reopening.

The City met its goal of maintaining 6 percent or less lost water for the year, with a 4.8 percent distribution system leakage reported. The average lost water rate is 4.5 percent since 2007.

To view the entire 2020 Water Use Efficiency Report, visit our water utility page at KentWA.gov.

Unwanted medicine return program

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, abbreviated as PPCPs, are a group of compounds consisting of human and veterinary drugs (prescription or over the counter) and consumer products such as perfumes, lotions, sunscreens, housecleaning products and others. These compounds have been detected in trace amounts in surface water, drinking water and wastewater in the United States and Europe.

Pharmaceuticals can enter the water when they are flushed down toilets, put into sinks, thrown into the garbage or when humans or animals pass drugs through their bodies. Excretion of medicines that pass through our bodies is the largest source of the pollution and is more difficult to prevent from entering sewage or septic tanks.

To date, scientists have found no evidence of adverse human health effects from PPCPs in the environment. However, the EPA is committed to investigating PPCPs and developing strategies to make sure the health of the environment and the public is protected.

Kaiser Permanente is participating in King County’s medication disposal program to encourage responsible disposal of unwanted medicines. Disposal kiosks are open to anyone in the community. Kent Medical Center Pharmacy has a disposal kiosk available.

For more information on their program and other locations, visit wa.kaiserpermanente.org/html/ public/pharmacy/drug-disposal

For other locations in King County and answers to questions about disposing of unwanted medicines, visit

KingCountySecureMedicineReturn.org

6

WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation measures are another tool in protecting our water supply. Not only do they conserve water, but they can also save money by reducing your water bill.

Rebate Options:

Toilet

Buying a new toilet? Make it a Water Sense model, and you may qualify for a $50 rebate*. Water Sense toilets use 20 percent less water than the current federal standard, while still providing equal or superior performance.

To be eligible for this rebate, you must:

  • Be a City water customer and pay your bill to “City of Kent”
  • Be replacing a high-volume toilet that was installed before 1993

For a list of EPA Water Sense-certified toilets, visit

EPA.gov/watersense/residential-toilets.

Washing Machine

Save water and energy with a new, high-efficiency, Energy Star washer, and you may qualify for a $75 rebate*.

To be eligible for this rebate, you must:

  • Be a City water customer and pay your bill to “City of Kent”
  • Purchase an approved high-efficiency, Energy Star washer For a list of eligible washing machines, visit energystar.gov.

To find out more about these rebate offers, visit KentWA.gov/ EnvironmentalStewardship and click “Rebates for water conservation”. *Other restrictions apply.

To conserve water inside your home:

• Fix leaking faucets, pipes and toilets or replace

• Take shorter showers.

them with water-saving devices.

• Don’t let the water run while shaving or

 

• Wash only full loads of dishes or laundry.

brushing teeth.

• Do not use the toilet for food disposal.

 

To conserve water outside your home:

  • Install rain sensor on sprinkler system.
  • Water the lawn and garden in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation in hot weather. One inch of water a week is sufficient.
  • Use mulch around plants and shrubs.
  • Repair leaks in faucets and hoses, and use water- saving nozzles.
  • Wash your car using water from a bucket, and save the hose for rinsing.

For more information call 253-856-5589, or visit WaterUseItWisely.com or EPA.gov/Watersense

7

WATER SYSTEM PROTECTION:

CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

New Backflow Assembly Installation

The City of Kent implements an extensive cross connection control program to help ensure safe drinking water for its customers.

What is a cross connection? A cross connection is a permanent or temporary piping arrangement that can allow the City’s drinking water to be contaminated by a non-potable (not safe to drink) source if a backflow condition occurs.

What is backflow? Backflow is water flowing in the opposite direction of its intended path. Backflow can allow contaminants to enter the drinking water system through cross connections.

Through an active cross connection control program, the City of Kent isolates and eliminates hazards by requiring installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies. A properly- installed and maintained backflow prevention assembly protects the water supply and the health and wellbeing

of those who drink the water. Periodic testing ensures the assembly is working properly.

The following are examples of water uses for which the City of Kent requires backflow prevention:

  • RV wastewater (blackwater) dumping stations
  • Embalming processes
  • Hazardous chemicals or biological processes
  • Laboratory and aspirator equipment
  • Chemical sprayers attached to hoses
  • Ornamental landscape ponds and fountains
  • Auxiliary water supplies
  • Boilers
  • Water recirculation systems
  • Swimming pools
  • Solar heat systems
  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Wash basins and service sinks
  • Hose bibs (garden hose faucets)
  • Lawn irrigation systems

To learn more about cross connection control, backflow prevention or backflow assembly testing, call 253-856-5500 or visit KentWA.gov/city-hall/public-works/water-master-plan/cross-connection-control-program

Annual backflow assembly test reports can be submitted directly to us at backflow@KentWA.gov

For a list of Washington State Department of Health approved backflow assembly testers,

visit grcc.greenriver.edu/wacertservices/bat/hire-a-bat/

8

BUILDING FOR TODAY

Key accomplishments in 2020:

  • Construction was completed on a coating, structural and safety improvement project at our 125,000 gallon reservoir on the East Hill of our service area.
  • Finished construction of a new pump station to supply water for a new pressure zone on Kent’s East Hill and implemented the new pressure zone.
  • Completed the design and bidding for a new 5-million-gallon reservoir on the West Hill of our service area. Construction started in March of 2021 and is expected to take eighteen months to complete.
  • Completed an electrical upgrade of a pump station that delivers water to the West Hill of our service area.
  • Completed a control system upgrade at our Kent Springs water source
  • Completed a well rehabilitation project at our Armstrong Springs water source
  • Completed a side channel project on Rock Creek in Maple Valley as part of our Clark Springs Habitat Conservation Plan
  • Installed 800 feet of 16-inch ductile iron pipe as part of our Reith Road water main project
  • We cleaned and inspected three water reservoirs.
  • We installed 650 feet of eight-inch ductile iron water main as part of our Shops Inc. program.
  • We upgraded seven fire hydrants in the water distribution system.

The Water Section continues implementation of a system-wide water main cleaning, unidirectional flushing, valve exercise and water service line/water main replacement program, as well as other related maintenance to improve water quality and

system reliability.

Kent Springs Generator

9

The next few years will bring many new system improvement projects:

  • Construction of a 5-million-gallon reservoir on Kent’s West Hill
  • Design and construction of a new water booster station and transmission main to supply water to the West Hill
  • Coating and structural improvements for a water storage tank on the Kent East Hill
  • Design and construction of projects to complete the second phase of a new pressure zone on Kent’s East Hill
  • Water main and fire hydrant replacements
  • Interior cleaning and inspection of water storage reservoirs
  • Design/installation of backup emergency power supply for our water sources
  • Design/implementation of habitat conservation measures for our Clark Springs source
  • Well and pump rehabilitations at City water sources
  • Control and communication improvements at water facilities

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW

West Hill Reservoir

10

Monitoring Results

Thousands of water samples were taken in 2020 to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. The table below shows those contaminants that were detected in the water. Because the concentrations of certain substances do not change frequently, the state requires us to monitor for these substances less often than once per year. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken. Seventy-three other contaminants were also tested for but not found in the water.

SUBSTANCE

Year

Sampled

MCL (Maximum

amount allowed)

MCLG (ideal

amount or less)

Maximum

Result

Sample Range

MCL Violation

Major Sources

REGULATED AT THE SOURCE

Nitrate

2020

10 ppm

10 ppm

 

1.6 ppm

0-1.6 ppm

No

Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

septic tanks & sewage, erosion of natural

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radium 228

2018

5 pCi/L

0

 

0.484 pCi/L

0-0.484 pCi/L

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Alpha Particles

2018

15 pCi/L

0

 

<0.426 pCi/L

<0.426 pCi/L

No

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic

2020

10 ppb

0

 

1.2 ppb

.2-1.2 ppb

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium

2020

2 ppm

2 ppm

 

0.0031 ppm

0-0.0031 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chromium

2020

.1 ppm

.1 ppm

 

0.0011

0-0.0011

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNREGULATED AT THE SOURCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodium

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

 

18 ppm

7.1-18 ppm

Not regulated

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calcium

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

 

24 ppm

5-24 ppm

Not regulated

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnesium

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

 

14 ppm

0.82-14 ppm

Not regulated

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOC (Total Organic

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

 

<0.5 ppm

0-<0.5 ppm

Not regulated

Organic compounds in surface water

Carbon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardness

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

 

140 ppm

10-140 ppm

Not regulated

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULATED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids

2020

60 ppb

na

 

9.9 ppb

2.3-9.9 ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection

(HAAs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTHMs (Total

2020

80 ppb

na

 

22.6 ppb

3.2-22.6 ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Trihalomethanes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorine

2020

MRDLG=4

na

 

1.60 ppm

0.40-1.60 ppm

No

Water additive used as an industry-wide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

treatment method to control microbes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULATED (Secondary) AT THE SOURCE

Substances not considered a risk to human health but can affect aesthetics, such as taste, color, and odor. Results above the SMCL are not considered to be a violation.

Iron

2020

SMCL=0.300 ppm

na

0.005 ppm**

0-0.005 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese

2020

SMCL=0.050 ppm

na

0.066 ppm**

0-0.066 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc

2020

SMCL=5 ppm

na

0.0084 ppm

0.0008-0.0084 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

2020

SMCL=1 ppm

na

0.0030 ppm

0.00028-0.0030 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Dissolved Solids

2020

SMCL=500 ppm

na

190 ppm

0-190 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOH (State) REGULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

2020

4.00 ppm

2.00 ppm

0.86 ppm

0.54-0.86 ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits, water additive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which promotes strong teeth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity

2020

Not regulated

Not regulated

1.2 NTU**

0.03-1.2 NTU

No

Soil runoff/pipe sediments & minerals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICROBIAL STANDARDS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform

2020

<5% positive

0

2

2 of 973 samples

No

Sampling technique, coliforms are naturally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

present in the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Tacoma Supply

11

Lead and copper monitoring

To reduce the risk of lead and copper exposure, the City water system utilizes a corrosion control program that adjusts pH levels to reduce the corrosiveness of the drinking water. The drinking water system is monitored continuously through water quality analyzers and tested daily to maintain a noncorrosive pH level. In September 2018, the City sampled the lead and copper levels in 45 homes throughout our water system. The results of this sampling showed our corrosion control efforts are working. All sample results showed lead and copper levels were well below the EPA regulatory action levels.

These samples are collected every three years as required by the Department of Health. Another round of sampling will occur in 2021.

The EPA has proposed revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) which include a suite of actions to reduce lead exposure in drinking water where it is needed the most. The proposed rule will identify the most at-risk communities and ensure systems have plans in place to rapidly respond by taking actions to reduce elevated levels of lead in drinking water.

Substance

Unit

Year Sampled

AL

MCLG

Amount Detected (90%)

Number of Homes Above AL

Compliance

Copper

ppm

2018

1.3

1.3

0.12 ppm

0

Yes

ppm

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion

 

of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ppm

2018

0.015

0

<0.001

0

Yes

Lead

ppm

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion

 

 

of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table Definitions:

AL (Action Level): The concentration of a substance which triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a substance in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter)

Lead: In Washington State, lead in drinking water comes primarily from materials and components used in household plumbing. Your water may contain more dissolved metals, such as lead, the longer the water remains in your homes plumbing. Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially in pregnant women and young children.

Reduce potential exposure to lead: For water taps that have not been used for six hours or more, flush water through the tap until the water is noticeably colder before using for drinking or cooking. Use the flushed water for watering plants, washing dishes or general cleaning. Only use water from the cold- water tap for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426- 4791 or online at EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

*Page 11 Table Definitions:

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): Highest level of a substance thats allowed in drinking water.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a substance in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

NA: Not applicable.

NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water.

Unregulated Contaminant

Monitoring Regulation

Fourth Cycle (UCMR4)

Unregulated contaminants are those that do not yet have a drinking water standard set by the EPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help the EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. In 2019, the City of Kent sampled for 30 different contaminants as required by the EPA and found low levels of four compounds present in our drinking water. The contaminants and their concentration are listed below. For more information, contact the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Substance

Unit

Year Sampled

MCL

MCLG

Maximum Result

Sample Range

Compliance

Manganese

ppm

2019

0.05 ppm

na

0.012 ppm

0.003 to 0.012

Yes

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids

HAA5

ppb

2019

60 ppb

na

5.5 ppb

2.5 to 5.5 ppb

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: By-product of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA9

ppb

2019

Not

na

5.9 ppb

2.6 to 5.9 ppb

na

regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: By-product of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAA6Br

ppb

2019

Not

na

1.5 ppb

0 to 1.5 ppb

na

regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Sources: By-product of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table Definitions:

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a substance that is allowed in drinking water.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a substance in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

ppm (parts per million): One-part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).

ppb (parts per billion): One-part substance per billion parts water (micrograms per liter).

na: Not applicable.

pCi/L (Picocuries per Liter): Unit of measurement used for radiological contaminants.

ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter).

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).

SMCL (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level): The level above which a substance may affect taste, color and odor but is not considered a risk to human health. Results above this level are not considered a regulatory violation.

12

Important Health Information

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People with compromised immune systems such as people with cancer, patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, and some elderly and infants can be particularly at-risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available by calling the EPS’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

13

Environmental protection agency and city staff

To ensure the tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. To provide the same protection for public health, Food and Drug Administration establishes regulations that set limits for contaminants in bottled water.

The sources of tap and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.

Tap and bottled water may reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of contaminants. However, the presence of these does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

The City of Kent Water Division is staffed by professionals certified by the Washington State Department of Health to pump, treat, store and distribute your drinking water. For more information on the Washington State Department of Health Operator Certification Program, visit DOH.wa.gov or call 360-236-3140.

14

WATER SYSTEM FAQs

What is my water pressure?

Water pressure in the distribution system varies by elevation. Call us at 253-856-5600 with your address, and we will provide you with the information for your area.

How do I get my water shut off?

Homeowners and businesses are required by City Code to have a water shut-off valve at their building to use for repairs or plumbing changes. If you do not have one, you are advised to have one installed. In the interim, call Customer Service at 253-856-5200 to request a water shut-off. You may be charged a fee for this service. In no event should you attempt to shut off the water service with the valve at your water meter as both are City property, and you will be charged for all damage you cause to the valve or meter.

Where is my water shut off valve?

Do you know where the water supply shut off valve is in your home? Does everyone else in the family know where it is? If there’s an emergency, you’ll need to know in a hurry. You can’t afford to waste precious minutes searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched. These are the most likely locations:

  • Where the water supply pipe enters your home from the City-owned meter in the street/sidewalk
  • Near your clothes washer hook-up
  • Near your hot water heater
  • In your garage

Every home, apartment and business has a master water supply valve. To be sure you’ve found the right one, try turning it off briefly and see if all the water faucets in the building are shut off. If they aren’t, turn it back on and look for the master valve in another location. Once you’ve found the right valve, mark it with a tag, a bright ribbon or colorful paint. Make

it easy to see and keep it accessible. If the worst happens – and we hope it never does – you’ll have to find it quickly.

15

Is the fluoride in my water safe to drink?

Yes. When added or naturally present in the correct amounts, fluoride in drinking water has greatly improved the dental health of American consumers. The amount of fluoride added to your drinking water is maintained at the recommended level set by federal and state regulations (0.5–0.9 ppm). Consult your physician regarding fluoride supplements for children. For more information on fluoride in drinking water, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at CDC.gov/fluoridation.

I don’t like the taste/smell/appearance of my tap water. What’s wrong with it?

Even when water meets state and federal standards, you may still object to its taste, smell or appearance. Chlorine taste and odor are the most common objections. We are required to keep a chlorine residual in the distribution system to protect it from contamination and to protect public health. Letting a pitcher of water stand exposed to the air, or in the refrigerator, usually helps reduce the smell and taste of chlorine. Other factors like water age and household plumbing can affect your water’s aesthetics as well. In any case, if you have any concerns about your water, call us to come check it for you. Our water quality staff can be reached at 253-856-5600.

For more Water FAQs, please visit KentWA.gov/ city-hall/public-works/water-system-plan/ water-system-faqs

16

For more information

Public Works Water Utility

253-856-5600 • 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays (For emergencies or general water questions including quality, leaks or pressure).

During non-working hours, emergency calls are answered by staff who will contact a water utility employee.

For non-emergencies that can wait until the next business day, visit KentWA.gov and make a “request for service” under the “I Want To...” menu option.

A water utility employee will contact you the next business day.

City Administration

 

WA State Dept. of Health, Office of Drinking Water

City Council

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5712

NW Operations

253-395-6750

Mayor’s Office

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5700

Doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw

 

Utility Billing

 

Kent City Council Meetings

253-856-5712

Questions, shutoffs

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5200

The Council typically meets on the first and third Tuesdays of

Permit Center

 

each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers

 

of Kent City Hall, 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032.

Plumbing/Permits

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5300

Please feel free to participate—your input is always welcome!

Water Meter Permits

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5300

City Council Committee of the Whole

 

Planning Services.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253-856-5454

253-856-5500

Spill Hotlines

 

City Council Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the

 

second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 4 p.m.

City of Kent,

 

Kent’s Lifeline Program

 

Public Works Operations

. . . . . . . . 253-856-5600

253-856-5200

EPA Hotlines

 

Seniors, low income or disabled residents may qualify for Kent’s

 

Lifeline Program. The City of Kent offers reduced utility rates for

Safe Drinking Water

1-800-426-4791

those in need.

 

Radon

. . . . . . 1-800-SOS-RADON

 

 

EPA.gov/radiation/radionuclides

 

 

 

This publication is printed on recycled paper and can be recycled.

PWS ID 381501

Contaminants


Kent Water Department

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 67151
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 19

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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